Volunteer duo digs driving with dogs
Laura and Mike Dennis have always enjoyed making road trips, and since 2022, they have put their love of the highway to good use as FSD transport volunteers. Mike and Laura ferry puppies and dogs on travels within Colorado and to other states with their English bulldog, Diesel, along for the ride. Says Mike, “We are a retired military family, and we enjoy supporting the Freedom Service Dogs mission; it is important to us.”
Tim & Cypress
As a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran, Tim has received counseling and medication from the VA to address his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and sense of unworthiness around the veteran community. Today, thanks to his Freedom Service Dog, Cypress, Tim says he is experiencing positive changes in his life. “I feel like some of my PTSD symptoms are becoming manageable or at least tolerable, and I look forward to the future.”
Mama dogs are the heart of FSD
While our adorable puppies often steal the spotlight and our highly skilled service dogs carry out our mission, it’s the mama dogs at FSD that are the heart of our organization.
Ezra & Gadget
Ezra and his service dog, Gadget, graduated from FSD in December 2021, and both Ezra (now 14 years old) and his mother, Amy, spoke at our 2022 graduation ceremony. Amy recounted the history of Ezra’s lifelong challenges with autism and epilepsy, as well as the search for answers and support for her son. She called her speech “A Boy and His Dog: Chapter 1.”
Good vibrations: Volunteers soothe dogs with singing bowls
Twice a month, Helen and Cal come to Freedom Service Dogs with Tibetan singing bowls in their bags, healing in their hands, and love in their hearts. As part of our canine enrichment program, these talented and devoted volunteers bring soothing sounds and relaxing energy work to our puppies and dogs.
James & Zena
“Zena is awesome. She is there for me when my stress and anxiety get to be too much. I now have a companion that goes everywhere I go.”
Zander & Verde
“Verde has truly become a huge part of my life, and I can’t imagine being able to do some of the things I have been able to do in such a short amount of time.”
It takes a veterinary village to care for our dogs
Have you ever wondered how we provide medical care for the hundreds of puppies and dogs at FSD? The answer is: It takes a village!
